Manchester United will not play in the UEFA Champions League next season, after officially exiting the race for fourth place over the weekend. The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League table, with just a game to go. West Ham United, who are three points behind them, have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Frank McAvennie wants Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Noel Whelan has slammed United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick for his recent comments.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on 9th May 2022:
Frank McAvennie wants Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United
Former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie wants Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer. The Portuguese could leave Manchester United this summer, with reports claiming he might not fit into new manager Erik ten Hag’s plans.
However, speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said that Ronaldo’s presence would be a great help to Ten Hag.
“That’s not a surprise, I’m sure they’ll have spoken a lot about him staying and the future for this team. Why would you not keep him? He’s so experienced – and he’ll help Ten Hag when he comes in. Ten Hag will have had his people at the games to help him make these decisions. You can’t hide now, especially with all the cameras around the place."
He continued:
“If you’re not having a good game, as a lot of Man United players are – you can still do something for your teammates. It’s the easiest thing you can do – help your teammates by putting a shift in. And they don’t seem to do it. Ronaldo and Messi have been doing it all their career. Not so much now, because they’re getting on a bit. I dread to think about the running stats out of that team – it has been so poor."
Ronaldo is the club's top-scorer with 24 goals this season but is set to endure his first trophyless campaign in 12 years. If he stays put at Old Trafford beyond the summer, he'll miss the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
Noel Whelan criticises Ralf Rangnick for recent comments
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Manchester United would have seen little improvement even if they had invested in a striker in January. Ralf Rangnick recently revealed that he wanted a new number nine in January but was denied by the board.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said that one player would have made little difference at Old Trafford.
“I don’t think one player would have changed anything. They’re not going to be picking from the top strikers. The best players simply wouldn’t have wanted to go to Man United. They’re nowhere near Liverpool and Man City,” said Whelan.
He added:
“Look, Ronaldo isn’t a bad centre-forward to have, is he? He’s been banging in goals for them, so let’s not start whinging about that. It’s yet more excuses coming out of the club. A striker wouldn’t have changed anything – they’re weak, they don’t work hard enough – and that’s easy to see."
Paul Pogba not interested in joining Manchester City
Paul Pogba is not interested in joining Manchester City this summer, according to The Hard Tackle via The Athletic.
The French midfielder is in the final two months of his current contract with Manchester United. The Red Devils have failed to convince him to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
The Cityzens have emerged as shock candidates for Pogba’s signature. Manager Pep Guardiola is not averse to having the 29-year-old on his roster. However, the Frenchman does not want to move to the Etihad and is likely to move abroad. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Juventus are monitoring his situation with interest.
Red_Devil_United
1
Ronaldo is truly a world class players. If not because of him we wouldn't qualify UCL group stage and most likely sitting bottom half of table. I want him to stay but I just don't see how at 37 years of age, he'll fit in ETH's style. I hope they both proved me wrong.
logannasti
0
if he wants to leaves he'll if he wants to stay he'll simply
NoLimitz
0
We really dont deserve CR7. We deserve to be forgotten in 10th position or even below
Zazabcilos
1
Ronaldo must stay....kudos to my idol,he needs a good playmakers and who’s ready to give him pass, my goat is a goal machine ,......I’d love him and I’ll always do
UnitedAkonam
0
Some dumb individual want him to dribble, score free kicks won by him, create chances for stupid rashford and co at 37, with out of form Bruno and co why are they not talking about injury prone cavani, I imagine Man U without Ronaldo it would have been a disaster
It would have been a relegation battle
Vowcilt
0
he is useless..big mistake ...he must sign a contract to shut his mouth when the new signings arrive
wecelmno
0
Cr7 must go we need young players
yeah sure will buy a overrated english player at very end and he will flop and then waiting for another transfer window
Sebabcknsy
0
Cr7 must go we need young players
fasacprz
2
Some dumb individual want him to dribble, score free kicks won by him, create chances for stupid rashford and co at 37, with out of form Bruno and co why are they not talking about injury prone cavani, I imagine Man U without Ronaldo it would have been a disaster
Tozbcinr
0
Anybody who says CR7 should stay at MU next season is mistaken. It is true he has scored many tap in goals but has he changed the result of any game while his team is on a loosing position??? Look at Benzema, Lewi, Mane, etc. He is blaming every player on the pitch. Let the youngsters get a chance let go elsewhere where he will be treated not by history but by merit.
Bro watch football first..didnot.you see UCL group stages winning goals by cr7..even in premier league a winning goals😂😂
zimbasudip
2
looks like ronaldo is playing whole season by himself. bro football is played by 11 player
tuybcelosu
1
Better for CR7 to leave… The guy should still be in a UCL team..
mecbcosty
1
How much they paid for Rangnick? Should donate the money and get Carrick back instead
Don't forget how luck welcomed Ole at the beginning of his interim managerial appointment. The same luck welcomed Carick over two or three games. So it is not about the manager I believe, it is down to the players who are not happy about CR7.
cemadmrsu
2
Looks like everybody forget CR7’s age. I love him but in reality I doubt he can still play quality football?
mecbcosty
1
Anybody who says CR7 should stay at MU next season is mistaken. It is true he has scored many tap in goals but has he changed the result of any game while his team is on a loosing position??? Look at Benzema, Lewi, Mane, etc. He is blaming every player on the pitch. Let the youngsters get a chance let go elsewhere where he will be treated not by history but by merit.
Jiwabeptz
0
attack was never a problem for ManU with CR7,Sancho elanga in form, Dead Midfield and Useless defense Players r d reason for downfall of this team Along with sh*t like Ragnik as a coach
Vawcdiknoz
1
I have nothing to praise Rangnick
Vawcdiknoz
0
Cr7 is one player who can feet in any team in this world
malone95
1
How much they paid for Rangnick? Should donate the money and get Carrick back instead
Jeremycamp
1
he deserves the criticism because his tactics are terrible and don't think that for a second that the players are in the clear they're also terrible.
ManUnited-Red
3
We need young players
Neyeimosz
1
yes cr7 will say and sing new contract